Team’s contributions another way posAbilities is contributing to B.C.’s largest food redistribution agency
Michelle Strutzenberger

Whether it’s sorting pennies or packaging food, a team from a posAbilities arts program has found an activity that heightens their camaraderie as they focus on an important social cause.

PosAbilities Alternatives team has been volunteering monthly since February with the forward-thinking food exchange agency Quest Food Exchange, British Columbia’s largest, not-for-profit program of its kind.

Juliette, one of the staff members, has been surprised at how well it’s working out. She’s been especially taken by the focus of the team as they pitch in for two hours of tasks given them by the Quest staff.

“For a couple of hours they’re working hard and are focused and sharing and talking and listening,” she says.

While having an arts program volunteer at a food exchange agency may seem at odds, says Johnny, another staff member, if one thinks about the broader mission of posAbilities it makes perfect sense.

This is about “giving back to the community and being a part of the community and being involved and engaged with the community that we are in,” Johnny tells posAbilities Today.

The team’s engagement could be seen as another way to break down stereotypes about people who have a disability, as posAbilities president Celso A. A. Boscariol noted in a recent presentation.

Celso was speaking at a Quest partner appreciation event where posAbilities was being recognized for its donation of a large, commercial kitchen to Quest.

Celso noted the donation is significant because posAbilities, like many social service providers, is often not seen as contributor to communities, nor are the people it supports. The partnership will begin to break down those stereotypes, he said.

Working with a food vendor and social service agency partners, Quest Food Exchange provides affordable, healthy food to those who face barriers to this basic necessity of life. It’s been described as a step away from a food bank, offering an increased level of dignity to individuals and having as an end-goal their transition to self-sufficiency.

Quest also offers a community training kitchen, where people can receive education in the areas of nutrition, best shopping practices, menu planning and cooking techniques.

PosAbilities members also benefit from the program as people take part in Quest training opportunities and shop at the service.

Related:

PosAbilities supports opening of new Quest community training kitchen

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